Jim's Cleaning Group

Moving home is a long process. Many important decisions to be made, many things to do, lot of hard work and cost of moving can be very stressful at times. First you have to make a decision about your moving method (yourself or professional).

It’s very important to prioritize tasks lying ahead when moving home so that you are well-organized. This will help for efficient and smooth process. Below there are some checklists, suggestions, reminders and links we put together to assist you.

PLANING AND PREPARATION

Four weeks before your move

• you need to set a firm date for your move
• ask friends or relatives for recommendations and organise a removalist
• if you need storage, arrange it
• organise transit and/or storage insurance for your belongings
• organise your travel for moving day - if you’re moving to another city, you may need to book a hotel/motel
• book time off work if it’s necessary
• For the items you no longer need you might consider to give them away to charity or hold a garage sale
• start collecting materials such as boxes in various sizes, packing tape (Sello tape), newspapers (for wrapping), bubble wrap, rope, and marking pens
• start notifying businesses and suppliers of your change of address (bank, Australian Tax office, council, schools, drivers licencing and vehicle registration, solicitor, health funds, employers, accountant, Australian Electoral Commision, dentists, doctors, financial institutions) 

Two weeks before your move

• start packing items which are non- essential and clothing you don’t need – make sure you list all the items packed on the outside of the box so you exactly know what’s in each box
• contact your electricity and gas companies and communication providers
• arrange for disconnection and reconnection of telephone, Internet and pay-TV services at your new address.
• if necessary ask a friend or a relative to look after the kids on moving day
• update all insurance policies
• list all items you want the removalist to move and personal items you want to move yourself
• if you have pets, organise care for them during moving day
• start cleaning your home, it might be worth hiring a cleaner to clean the carpets and to finish the scrubbing and vacuuming for you
• arrange for redirection of mail with Australia Post

One week before the move

• arrange for bills to be paid
• cancel home delivery such as newspapers/magazines
• make sure you confirm arrangements (disconnection/reconnection) with utility companies
• Place documents such as passports and drivers licences in a safe place and keep moving related documents together
• When you finish packing, make sure all boxes are correctly labelled with contents and rooms
• Return all library books, DVDs, games
• if you have piles of rubish left, make sure you take it to the nearest tip or transfer station
• pack up your computer (if you don’t need it). Keep cords and accessories together and pack it in it’s original box, if you don’t have the box wrap in blanket/sheet and transport it carefully ( you don’t want to damage it)

ON MOVING DAY

Safety

Be aware of safety when moving for yourself and people who are helping you. When you are packing, special consideration is needed for flammable substances and injuries
Flammable Substances

• Need to carry some items carefully in your own vehicle such as cleaning fluids, acids, fuel, paint, thinner and oils etc.
• Do not forget to drain fuel from your lawn mower
• You need to check removalist's insurance cover and their policy about flammable substances you might not be covered if they are carrying some products
• Make sure you seal containers holding liquids securely with tape and place them in waterproof bags

Personal Injury

• check carton labels so you are aware of what you are lifting
• be carefull when lifting boxes and remember to bend your knees first
• Watch out for hazards such as cords and plugs that may get in your way when moving boxes/furniture

Last minute and moving day hints

• Make or confirm key collection arrangements
• Pack a box of items you'll need immediately in your new home, suchas change of clothes,cleaning products, cleaning equipment, medicines, toilet paper, soap and towels
• Pack another box with kitchen essentials to use on the day such as a kettle, cutlery,some plates, mugs, tea, coffee and snacks
• Make sure you do a final check of storage areas
• When moving get an early start
• Check off all furniture and cartons as they go into the van or truck
• Turn off electricity at the meter
• Check that all doors and windows are locked as you leave  
• Make sure you have all your valuables and important papers with you
• Unpack bedding and make up beds in your new home 
  

At your new home

• check all items during unloading and unpacking – see if there is any damaged/missing items
• check the electricity/gas/phone if it’s not switched on contact the suppliers
• if necessary use professionals for carpet cleaning or window washing
• firstly make the beds and clean the kitchen for use.
• keep pets away until you are moved in
• find out information from the neighbours which day is your garbage and recycling collection day or call the City Council Call Centre
• find you local parks, shops, medical centres, sports centres, library, council building and swimming pools
• join the local library
• get your pets familiarised to the new house and area quickly as possible
• if renting, tell the landlord about any appliances that aren’t working in your new property.
• update your driver’s licence and car registration details